The Hidden Fungal Diversity in Asia

A special issue of Diversity (ISSN 1424-2818). This special issue belongs to the section "Microbial Diversity and Culture Collections".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 February 2022) | Viewed by 38224

Special Issue Editors

1. Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China
2. National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS), Kandy, Sri Lanka
Interests: fungal taxonomy; fungal phylogeny; Basidiomycota; Ascomycota; fungal pathogens
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Interests: fungal pathogens; fungal endophytes; fungal taxonomy; fungal phylogeny; diversity of fungal activities
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The kingdom of fungi is one of the most diverse groups of eukaryotic organisms on Earth. Fungi play fundamental ecological roles as decomposers, mutualists, or pathogens. The global fungal diversity is estimated at 0.8 million to 5.1 million species; however, only about 120,000 species have been described. In the last decade, new fungal species have been described using morphological and molecular approaches, but the presence of cryptic species or species complexes has frequently led to overestimations or underestimations of certain taxa. The introduction rate of new fungal species has now reached 2000 species per year. In 2017, the majority of new fungal species were recorded from Asia, accounting for 35%, followed by Europe, Oceania, South America, North America, and Africa. Most Asian regions feature diverse habitats (e.g., coral reefs, islands, mangroves, hot springs, limestones, rain forests, oceans, and caves) with subtropical and tropical climates, where fungi thrive due to the favorable temperatures and humidity. Therefore, Asia is a potential repository of numerous unknown species. Additionally, studies on Asian fungi are important for answering questions regarding global fungal estimates. However, fungi in Asia remain poorly understood due to various reasons viz. lack of study, funding limitations, and inaccessibility.

Due to the increased interest and importance of Asian fungi, the Asian Mycological Association was established in 1977 to promote Asian mycology. Over the past 50 years, fungal species diversity and systematics in Asia have been studied, generating new opportunities to research and investigate biological control, host–fungal interactions, medical mycology, natural products, and genetic engineering of fungal strains for industrial purposes. This Special Issue aims to bring together a collection of papers focusing on fungal diversity in Asia covering areas including but not limited to fungal diversity assessments (traditional methods and metabarcoding), fungal systematics and evolution, fungal interactions with environments and other organisms, and other areas of applications (agricultural, biotechnological, medical, and pharmaceutical).

Dr. Samantha C. Karunarathna
Dr. Nakarin Suwannarach
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • diversity and taxonomy
  • fungal activities
  • multigene phylogeny
  • next-generation sequencing (NGS)
  • fungal secondary metabolites
  • fungal pathogens

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 1845 KiB  
Article
Yeast and Lactic Acid Bacteria Dominate the Core Microbiome of Fermented ‘Hairy’ Tofu (Mao Tofu)
by Gian Maria Niccolò Benucci, Xinxin Wang, Li Zhang, Gregory Bonito and Fuqiang Yu
Diversity 2022, 14(3), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14030207 - 11 Mar 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4502
Abstract
The process of fermenting tofu extends back thousands of years and is an indispensable part of Chinese culture. Despite a cultural resurgence in fermented foods and interest in microbiomes, there is little knowledge on the microbial diversity represented in fermented ‘hairy’ tofu, known [...] Read more.
The process of fermenting tofu extends back thousands of years and is an indispensable part of Chinese culture. Despite a cultural resurgence in fermented foods and interest in microbiomes, there is little knowledge on the microbial diversity represented in fermented ‘hairy’ tofu, known locally in China as Mao tofu. High-throughput metagenomic sequencing of the ITS, LSU and 16S rDNA was used to determine Mao tofu’s fungal and bacterial community diversity across four wet markets in Yunnan, China. The results show that hairy tofu in this region consists of around 170 fungal and 365 bacterial taxa, and that microbial taxa differ between markets. Diversity also differed based on the specific niche of the tofu block, comparing the outside rind-like niche to that of the inside of the tofu block. Machine learning random forest models were able to accurately classify both the market and niche of sample origin. An over-abundance of yeast and Geotrichum was found, and Mucor (Mucoromycota) was abundant in the outside rind-like niche, which consists of the visible ‘hairy’ mycelium. The majority of the bacterial OTUs belonged to Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes, with Acinetobacter, Lactobacillus, Sphingobacterium and Flavobacterium the most abundant genera. Putative fungal pathogens of plants (Cercospora, Diaporthe, Fusarium) and animals (Metarhizium, Entomomortierella, Pyxidiophora, Candida, Clavispora) were also detected, as were putative bacterial pathogens identified as Legionella. Non-fungal eukaryotic taxa detected by LSU amplicon sequencing included soybean (Glycine max), Protozoa, Metazoa (e.g., Nematoda and Platyhelminthes), Rhizaria and Chromista, indicating that additional biodiversity exists in the hairy tofu microbiome. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Hidden Fungal Diversity in Asia)
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19 pages, 4161 KiB  
Article
New Records of Powdery Mildews from Taiwan: Erysiphe ipomoeae comb. nov., E. aff. betae on Buckwheat, and E. neolycopersici comb. nov. on Cardiospermum halicacabum
by Hui-Yu Hsiao, Hiran A. Ariyawansa, Ching-Ching Hsu, Chao-Jen Wang and Yuan-Min Shen
Diversity 2022, 14(3), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14030204 - 10 Mar 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3721
Abstract
Erysiphe is the largest genus of powdery mildews (PMs), a group of obligate plant pathogenic fungi. Exploration of biodiversity generally relies on regional surveys and our aim is to investigate the PMs in Taiwan. Collections of the fungi on five plant species around [...] Read more.
Erysiphe is the largest genus of powdery mildews (PMs), a group of obligate plant pathogenic fungi. Exploration of biodiversity generally relies on regional surveys and our aim is to investigate the PMs in Taiwan. Collections of the fungi on five plant species around agricultural environments were subjected to morphological and molecular characterization, using both internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and β-tubulin gene (TUB2) regions for the phylogenetic analyses. Erysipheipomoeae comb. nov., a species able to infect Ipomoea obscura and I. aquatica demonstrated by pathogenicity tests, has been neotypified. The two buckwheat species, Fagopyrum esculentum and F. tataricum, are found to be hosts of E. aff. betae. These results suggest that hosts in some plant families can be infected by more than one Erysiphe pathogen, e.g., Convolvulaceae by E. ipomoeae and E. convolvuli and Polygonaceae by E. polygoni and E. aff. betae, respectively. In addition, phylogenetic analyses of PMs on Cardiospermum halicacabum and tomato belonging to the E. aquilegiae complex are allocated under E. neolycopersici comb. nov. This extends the potential host range of E. aquilegiae complex to the plant family Sapindaceae. We conclude that awareness of the host associations of PMs can potentially benefit crop disease management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Hidden Fungal Diversity in Asia)
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12 pages, 2833 KiB  
Article
Survey of Volvariella (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) including Two New Species, V. neovolvacea and V. thailandensis, from Northern Thailand
by Jaturong Kumla, Nakarin Suwannarach, Nopparat Wannathes and Saisamorn Lumyong
Diversity 2022, 14(3), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14030161 - 24 Feb 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2490
Abstract
During the period from 2018 to 2020, a survey of macrofungi in northern Thailand was conducted and seven specimens of Volvariella were collected. The morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and large subunit (nrLSU) of the nuclear ribosomal [...] Read more.
During the period from 2018 to 2020, a survey of macrofungi in northern Thailand was conducted and seven specimens of Volvariella were collected. The morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and large subunit (nrLSU) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence data indicated that three specimens belonged to V. bombycina and V. volvacea. Four other specimens were distinct from all other known species within the genus Volvariella. We described these specimens as two new species, namely V. neovolvacea and V. thailandensis. Comprehensive descriptions, illustrations, line drawings, and a phylogenetic tree are provided to show the position of the two new species. The comparisons between morphologically similar and phylogenetically related species are also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Hidden Fungal Diversity in Asia)
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12 pages, 31319 KiB  
Article
Two New Amanita Species in Section Amanita from Thailand
by Yuan S. Liu, Jiankui Liu, Jaturong Kumla and Saisamorn Lumyong
Diversity 2022, 14(2), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14020101 - 30 Jan 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2668
Abstract
Based on a survey of macro-fungi in northern and northeastern Thailand, nine samples collected in 2020 are identified as Amanita and introduced here as two new species, Amanita kalasinensis and A. ravicrocina. Typical macro- and microscopical characteristics indicate that both of these [...] Read more.
Based on a survey of macro-fungi in northern and northeastern Thailand, nine samples collected in 2020 are identified as Amanita and introduced here as two new species, Amanita kalasinensis and A. ravicrocina. Typical macro- and microscopical characteristics indicate that both of these two species belong to Amanita section Amanita, but differ from other currently known species. Amanita kalasinensis is characterized by having a greyish yellow pileus covering with a conical to granuliform, yellowish white volval remnant; the presence of clamps; and a broadly ellipsoid to ellipsoid basidiospore. Amanita ravicrocina is characterized by having a brown to greyish orange pileus covering with a patchy, white volval remnant; a collar-like volval remnant on the stipe; and a subglobose to broadly ellipsoid basidiospore. Multi-gene phylogenetic analysis of partial nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), partial nuclear rDNA large subunit region (nrLSU), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2), partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α), and beta-tubulin gene (TUB) also revealed that positions of A. kalasinensis and A. ravicrocina are well-supported within A. section Amanita, but form distinct lineages and do not show any close relationship with any species. The detailed morphological features, line-drawing illustration, and comparison with morphological similar taxa are provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Hidden Fungal Diversity in Asia)
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11 pages, 1569 KiB  
Article
Crassoascoma gen. nov. (Lentitheciaceae, Pleosporales): Unrevealing Microfungi from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China
by Zuo-Peng Liu, Sheng-Nan Zhang, Ratchadawan Cheewangkoon, Qi Zhao and Jian-Kui Liu
Diversity 2022, 14(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14010015 - 29 Dec 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1939
Abstract
Microfungi associated with woody plants on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) were investigated, and four collections associated with Potentilla fruticosa were obtained from Gansu and Qinghai provinces in China. Morphologically, they line well with Lentitheciaceae in having subglobose to globose ascomata with brown setae [...] Read more.
Microfungi associated with woody plants on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) were investigated, and four collections associated with Potentilla fruticosa were obtained from Gansu and Qinghai provinces in China. Morphologically, they line well with Lentitheciaceae in having subglobose to globose ascomata with brown setae on the papilla but can be distinguished from other genera by its superficial, globose, black, thick-walled ascomata, and fusiform, hyaline (rarely pale brown), one-septate ascospores, surrounded by an entire mucilaginous sheath. The phylogenetic analyses based on a combined SSU, ITS, LSU and TEF1-α sequence data showed that four isolates formed a monophyletic clade among the genera of Lentitheciaceae, and present as a distinct lineage (sister clade to Darksidea). Therefore, we introduce a new genus Crassoascoma, with C. potentillae as the type to accommodate these taxa. Detailed description and illustration are provided, and the establishment of new taxa is justified with morphology and phylogenetic evidence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Hidden Fungal Diversity in Asia)
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39 pages, 17069 KiB  
Article
Description of Lepiotaceous Fungal Species of the Genera Chlorophyllum, Clarkeinda, Macrolepiota, Pseudolepiota, and Xanthagaricus, from Laos and Thailand
by Phongeun Sysouphanthong, Naritsada Thongklang, Jian-Kui Liu and Else C. Vellinga
Diversity 2021, 13(12), 666; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13120666 - 12 Dec 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3669
Abstract
In our ongoing research on lepiotaceous taxa (Agaricaceae s.l.) in Laos and northern Thailand, we focus here on Chlorophyllum, Clarkeinda, Macrolepiota, Pseudolepiota, and Xanthagaricus. Collections were obtained from various habitats, including agricultural habitats, grasslands, and rainforests. A total [...] Read more.
In our ongoing research on lepiotaceous taxa (Agaricaceae s.l.) in Laos and northern Thailand, we focus here on Chlorophyllum, Clarkeinda, Macrolepiota, Pseudolepiota, and Xanthagaricus. Collections were obtained from various habitats, including agricultural habitats, grasslands, and rainforests. A total of 12 taxa were examined and investigated. Of these 12, two are new for science; viz. Xanthagaricus purpureosquamulosus with brownish-grey to violet-brown squamules on a pale-violet to violet background; it shares the pileus color with X. caeruleus and X. ianthinus, but differs in other characters; and Macrolepiota excelsa, rather similar to M. procera but related to M. detersa. Two species, Pseudolepiotazangmui and Xanthagaricus necopinatus are recorded for the first time in Thailand. Four species of Chlorophyllum and a total of four species of Macrolepiota were found, viz., C. demangei and C. hortense with white basidiospores, C. molybdites and C. globosum with green basidiospores, M. detersa, M. dolichaula, the new M. excelsa, and M. velosa. Another rather common striking species is Clarkeinda trachodes, with yellow-green basidiospores. Each species is described in detail, with color photographs and line drawings. Phylogenetic analyses based on internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) region, the large subunit nuclear ribosomal (nrLSU) DNA and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2) genes provide evidence for the placement of the species covered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Hidden Fungal Diversity in Asia)
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22 pages, 6105 KiB  
Article
Taxonomy and Phylogeny Reveal Two New Potential Edible Ectomycorrhizal Mushrooms of Thelephora from East Asia
by Xiang-Fu Liu, Saowaluck Tibpromma, Jian-Chu Xu, Jaturong Kumla, Samantha Chandranath Karunarathna and Chang-Lin Zhao
Diversity 2021, 13(12), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13120646 - 04 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3148
Abstract
The ectomycorrhizal basidiomycetes genus Thelephora has been understudied in subtropical ecosystems. Many species of Thelephora are important edible and medicinal fungi, with substantial economic value. Two new Thelephora species, T. grandinioides and T. wuliangshanensis spp. nov. are proposed here based on a combination [...] Read more.
The ectomycorrhizal basidiomycetes genus Thelephora has been understudied in subtropical ecosystems. Many species of Thelephora are important edible and medicinal fungi, with substantial economic value. Two new Thelephora species, T. grandinioides and T. wuliangshanensis spp. nov. are proposed here based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence. Thelephora grandinioides is characterized by laterally stipitate basidiocarps with a grandinoid hymenial surface, a monomitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae, and the presence of tubular and septated cystidia and subglobose to globose basidiospores measuring as 5.3–7.4 × 4–6.5 µm. Thelephora wuliangshanensis is characterized by infundibuliform basidiocarps, radially black striate on the pileus, a smooth, umber to coffee hymenial surface, a monomitic hyphal system with thick-walled generative hyphae, and basidiospores that turn greenish grey to buff in 5% KOH. Phylogenetic analyses of rDNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and nuclear large subunit region (nrLSU) showed that the two new Thelephora are phylogenetically distinct: T. grandinioides is sister to T. aurantiotincta and T. sikkimensis, while T. wuliangshanensis is sister to a clade comprising T. austrosinensis and T. aurantiotincta with high support as well. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Hidden Fungal Diversity in Asia)
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20 pages, 7751 KiB  
Article
Additions to the Knowledge of Corticioid Xylodon (Schizoporaceae, Hymenochaetales): Introducing Three New Xylodon Species from Southern China
by Kai-Yue Luo, Meng-Han Qu and Chang-Lin Zhao
Diversity 2021, 13(11), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13110581 - 14 Nov 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1785
Abstract
Three wood-inhabiting fungal species, Xylodon gossypinus, X. macrosporus, and X. sinensis spp. nov. were collected from southern China, with the similar function to decompose rotten wood, which are here proposed as new taxa based on a combination of morphological features and molecular [...] Read more.
Three wood-inhabiting fungal species, Xylodon gossypinus, X. macrosporus, and X. sinensis spp. nov. were collected from southern China, with the similar function to decompose rotten wood, which are here proposed as new taxa based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence. Xylodon gossypinus is characterized by the resupinate basidiomata with cotton hymenophore, and ellipsoid basidiospores; X.macrosporus is characterized by the resupinate basidiomata having the cracking hymenophore with pale yellowish hymenial surface, and larger basidiospores 8–10.5 × 7.5–9 µm; and X. sinensis differs by its grandinioid hymenial surface and subglobose basidiospores measuring as 3–5 × 2.5–4 µm. Sequences of ITS and nLSU rRNA markers of the studied samples were generated, and phylogenetic analyses were performed with maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference methods. The ITS+nLSU analysis in Hymenochaetales revealed that the three new species clustered into the Schizoporaceae family, located in genus Xylodon; based on the ITS dataset, X. gossypinus was a sister to X. ussuriensis; X. macrosporus closely grouped with X.follis with a high support; and X.sinensis was retrieved as two sisters to X. attenuatus and X. yarraensis with a lower support. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Hidden Fungal Diversity in Asia)
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18 pages, 6463 KiB  
Article
Notes on Some Interesting Sporocarp-Inhabiting Fungi Isolated from Xylarialean Fungi in Japan
by Wasiatus Sa’diyah, Akira Hashimoto, Gen Okada and Moriya Ohkuma
Diversity 2021, 13(11), 574; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13110574 - 10 Nov 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4349
Abstract
The diversity of sporocarp-inhabiting fungi (SCIF) was examined using six samples of xylarialean fungi from two different forests in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan: a moist forest in the Sakuragawa area and an urban dry forest in the Tsukuba area. These fungi were enumerated using [...] Read more.
The diversity of sporocarp-inhabiting fungi (SCIF) was examined using six samples of xylarialean fungi from two different forests in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan: a moist forest in the Sakuragawa area and an urban dry forest in the Tsukuba area. These fungi were enumerated using direct observation and dilution plate methods. We obtained 44 isolates, and careful morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies of these isolates revealed that approximately 30% of the operating taxonomic units were undescribed or cryptic species related to known fungi. Although typical mycoparasitic fungi, such as helotialean fungi and Trichoderma spp., were not isolated, the genera Acremonium, Acrodontium, and Simplicillium were detected. Comparisons of SCIF communities between the two forests suggested that the number of isolated species in the Sakuragawa area was lower than that in the Tsukuba area. Soil-borne fungi, such as Aspergillus, Beauveria, Penicillium, and Talaromyces, or polypores/corticioid mushrooms, are frequently detected in the Tsukuba area. Factors affecting SCIF communities in the two forests are discussed. Some noteworthy fungi are briefly described with notes on taxonomy, ecology, and molecular phylogeny. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Hidden Fungal Diversity in Asia)
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14 pages, 1825 KiB  
Article
Novelties in Fuscosporellaceae (Fuscosporellales): Two New Parafuscosporella from Thailand Revealed by Morphology and Phylogenetic Analyses
by Nattawut Boonyuen, Charuwan Chuaseeharonnachai, Salilaporn Nuankaew, Papichaya Kwantong, Natapol Pornputtapong, Nakarin Suwannarach, E. B. Gareth Jones and Sayanh Somrithipol
Diversity 2021, 13(11), 517; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13110517 - 22 Oct 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 1919
Abstract
Asexual morphs of freshwater fungi have been mostly reported from tropical and subtropical regions. From our ongoing investigation of the diversity and taxonomy of freshwater microfungi in Thailand, a country with rich natural resources and diverse ecosystems, Parafuscosporella ellipsoconidiogena sp. nov. and P. [...] Read more.
Asexual morphs of freshwater fungi have been mostly reported from tropical and subtropical regions. From our ongoing investigation of the diversity and taxonomy of freshwater microfungi in Thailand, a country with rich natural resources and diverse ecosystems, Parafuscosporella ellipsoconidiogena sp. nov. and P. obovata sp. nov., collected from decaying submerged twigs at Phalad Waterfall in a conserved forest in Chiang Mai Zoo, Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand, are proposed. DNA phylogenies based on a combination of ITS and LSU datasets support the placement of these species in Parafuscosporella (Fuscosporellaceae, Fuscosporellales, Sordariomycetes), and these two novel species differ from known species in terms of morphology. Detailed descriptions, illustrations and a key to Parafuscosporella species are provided, as well as comparisons with other accepted Parafuscosporella species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Hidden Fungal Diversity in Asia)
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13 pages, 3040 KiB  
Article
Additions to Occultibambusaceae (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes): Unrevealing Palmicolous Fungi in China
by Xian-Dong Yu, Sheng-Nan Zhang, Ratchadawan Cheewangkoon and Jian-Kui Liu
Diversity 2021, 13(11), 516; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13110516 - 22 Oct 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1795
Abstract
During a survey of microfungi associated with palms from karst formations, three novel ascomycetes were found from decaying petioles of Trachycarpus fortunei (Arecaceae) in Guizhou, China. Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses based on a combined SSU, ITS, LSU, RPB2 and TEF1α sequence data [...] Read more.
During a survey of microfungi associated with palms from karst formations, three novel ascomycetes were found from decaying petioles of Trachycarpus fortunei (Arecaceae) in Guizhou, China. Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses based on a combined SSU, ITS, LSU, RPB2 and TEF1α sequence data showed that these collections were affiliated to Brunneofusispora and Neooccultibambusa in the family Occultibambusaceae. A new species Brunneofusispora inclinatiostiola is introduced. It is phylogenetically close to B. clematidis but represents a distinct lineage. Morphologically, it differs from the latter in having immersed ascomata with eccentric, periphysate ostiole and smaller ascospores. Morpho-phylogenetic evidence also revealed two new Neooccultibambusa species, N.kaiyangensis and N. trachycarpi. Together with the generic type N. chiangraiensis, they formed a distinct lineage within the genus Neooccultibambusa. Three novel palmicolous fungi of Occultibambusaceae are described, illustrated and notes on their identification are provided. The ecological significance of the new taxa and the phylogenetic relationship of genera in Occultibambusaceae is discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Hidden Fungal Diversity in Asia)
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12 pages, 3409 KiB  
Article
The Hidden Wood-Decaying Fungal Diversity: Rhizochaete from East Asia
by Zi-Rui Gu and Chang-Lin Zhao
Diversity 2021, 13(10), 503; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13100503 - 17 Oct 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1694
Abstract
Wood-decaying fungi play crucial roles as decomposers in forest ecosystems. In this study, two new corticioid fungi, Rhizochaete fissurata and R. grandinosa spp. nov., are proposed based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence. Rhizochaete fissurata is characterized by resupinate basidiomata [...] Read more.
Wood-decaying fungi play crucial roles as decomposers in forest ecosystems. In this study, two new corticioid fungi, Rhizochaete fissurata and R. grandinosa spp. nov., are proposed based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence. Rhizochaete fissurata is characterized by resupinate basidiomata with a cracking hymenial surface, a monomitic hyphal system with simple-septa generative hyphae, presence of subfusiform to conical cystidia encrusted at the apex or coarse on the upper half, and ellipsoid basidiospores. Rhizochaete grandinosa differs in its resupinate basidiomata with a smooth hymenial surface, presence of two types of cystidia, and ellipsoid basidiospores. Sequences of ITS and nLSU rRNA markers of the studied samples were employed, and phylogenetic analyses were performed with maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference methods on two datasets (ITS+nLSU and ITS). Both dataset analyses showed that two new species clustered into the genus Rhizochaete, in which, based on the ITS+nLSU dataset, R. fissurata was sister to R. belizensis, and R. grandinosa grouped with R. radicata; the phylogram inferred from ITS sequences inside Rhizochaete indicated that R. fissurata formed a monophyletic lineage with a lower support; R. grandinosa grouped closely with R. radicata. In addition, an identification key to all Rhizochaete species worldwide is provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Hidden Fungal Diversity in Asia)
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20 pages, 101465 KiB  
Article
Discovery of Three Novel Cytospora Species in Thailand and Their Antagonistic Potential
by Jutamart Monkai, Saowaluck Tibpromma, Areerat Manowong, Ausana Mapook, Chada Norphanphoun, Kevin D. Hyde and Itthayakorn Promputtha
Diversity 2021, 13(10), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13100488 - 06 Oct 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2176
Abstract
During an ongoing research survey of saprobic fungi in Thailand, four coelomycetous strains were isolated from decaying leaves in Chiang Mai and Phitsanulok Provinces. Morphological characteristics demonstrated that these taxa are typical of Cytospora in forming multi-loculate, entostromatic conidiomata, branched or unbranched conidiophores, [...] Read more.
During an ongoing research survey of saprobic fungi in Thailand, four coelomycetous strains were isolated from decaying leaves in Chiang Mai and Phitsanulok Provinces. Morphological characteristics demonstrated that these taxa are typical of Cytospora in forming multi-loculate, entostromatic conidiomata, branched or unbranched conidiophores, with enteroblastic, phialidic conidiogenous cells and hyaline, allantoid, aseptate conidia. Multiloci phylogeny of ITS, LSU, ACT, RPB2, TEF1-α and TUB2 confirmed these taxa are distinct new species in Cytospora in Cytosporaceae (Diaporthales, Sordariomycetes), viz., Cytospora chiangmaiensis, C. phitsanulokensis and C. shoreae. Cytospora chiangmaiensis has a close phylogenetic relationship with C. shoreae, while C. phitsanulokensis is sister to C. acaciae. These three novel species were also preliminary screened for their antagonistic activity against five plant pathogenic fungi: Colletotrichumfructicola, Co. siamense, Co. artocarpicola, Co. viniferum and Fusarium sambucinum. Cytospora shoreae and C. phitsanulokensis showed >60% inhibition against Co. viniferum and F. sambucinum, while C. chiangmaiensis had moderate inhibition activity against all pathogens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Hidden Fungal Diversity in Asia)
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